Customer Reviews

Strange Animal

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first heard of Gowan because he was a member of Styx and I was really getting into their music (this was obviously recently. So, one day, while discussing several serious matters with a fellow Styx fan, we got to talking about Gowan and she convinced me to buy "Strange Animal". I did and I was blown away. Gowan is such a talented artist and he has such a knack for catchy melodies. As a teenager from the US, I think that everyone should at least be introduced to his music, because it is so spectacular. All together, Gowan is one of my all-time favorite artists, and what he does is truly an art-form. If you're looking for a great album for any occasion, get Gowan.

I love this album...it is a classic and a must have for anyone who likes 80's pop. Not only was it great for its time but songs like criminal mind could still get airplay today if released.
All in all one of my favorite albums. Oh and now that Gowan is the new frontman for Styx, hopefully he'll be rockin it out for years to come.

Gowan is by far one of the best artists to have ever walked the face of the earth, NOT JUST IN CANADA, but all over this globe. Gowan was the first musician I started listening to, and was my very first tape, I was 4. I'm 23 now and though I like other bands such as NIN, I still listen to Gowan and find Strage Animal to be one of the most original albums ever made and very different compared to the other junk music that other 80's bands were releasing. Gowan was not a typical 80's band, his lyrics spoke of war, the potential darkness of the human mind, and human suffering, while other bands were singing: 'Everybody Wang Chung Tonight', 'The Locomotion' ,'Jump For My Love' and other boppy meaningless songs such as these. My favorite tracks are 'Guerilla Soldier', 'Keep the Tension On', 'Burning Torches of Hope', and my ultimate favorite of any of Gowan's songs is 'A Criminal Mind', which is one of the best and most unique songs to have ever been made. Strange Animal is a masterpiece anyone who finds music important should have.

'Strange Animal' was the big hit from this album but I think the best tracks are 'Cosmetics' and 'City Of The Angels'. Gowan has very good voice range and the musicians are incredible on this recording. If you have it, dust it off and play it again. If you don't have it, you're missing a very good recording.

Gowan is a tremendous talent. This cd is only a sample of his superb works. If you ever get the chance, you must see him live...he is the ultimate showman! STYX is lucky to have him as their new frontman.

Lawrence Gowan is probably one of the best singers that you've never heard of. That is, if you haven't seen him with Styx on their latest tour. This is an album that put LG on the map with great songwriting, strong vocals, and excellent musician ship. I recommend "Lost Brotherhood" featuring Alex Lifeson of Rush and "Best of", which features Healing Waters, his tribute to Princess Diana.

I first heard this album over 10 years ago thanks to a Canadian cousin who borrowed my WalkMan and left a tape of Lawrence Gowan's Strange Animal in it. I didn't want to give that tape back. Last year I got to meet Gowan and see him in concert several times - AMAZING - and this is the album that started it all for me - ABSOLUTELY one of the best albums in my music collection!

If you pass it up you'll definitely be missing out!

I just recently dug this out of storage and great memories came to mind. This is an awsome album for anyone who likes anything 80's. Also in my opinion one of the little known or recognized talents in Canada. Styx is lucky to have him. And if you havnt heard this album, you have to get it.

What can I say?After reading the previous reviews I was surprised at how highly rated Gowan is across the Big Briney.In Scotland no one has heard of Larry Gowan-what a waste!Imagine a more mellow Rod Stewart backed up by Peter Gabriel's band(Marotta,Rhodes,Levin)and you have 'Strange Animal'.Off-kilter backing and powerfully melodic songs help the album sidestep the morass of anaemic AOR.'Keep the Tension On','A Criminal Mind','Cosmetics'-all songs that reek of class without pandering to rules of generic pop.Pin-sharp hooks,lithe instrumentation- Recommended!

I hate to sound like a cheap tv ad, but this is really some of the best music from the '80s. I grew up in Vermont, watching Canadian tv and listening to Canadian radio -- Gowan was the best artist on the airwaves (well, solo artist) and I managed to see two of his concerts. Talk about a great show!! This guy is amazing, and you must listen to this album!!!!!! I've totally destroyed my tape with overplaying, and am eagerly awaiting my CD.